Pharmacology: Anaphylaxis, Cholinergic Agents, Antihypertensive Medications, and More

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from pharmacology related to anaphylaxis, cholinergic agents, antihypertensive drugs, and various other medications, focusing on their definitions and significant effects.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can involve lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat anaphylaxis by stimulating the heart and dilating airways.

Cholinergic Agonists

Drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and can lead to cholinergic crisis if toxic.

SLUDGE

An acronym for side effects of cholinergic drugs: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urinary incontinence, Diarrhea, GI cramps, and Emesis.

Atropine

A cholinergic antagonist used to treat symptoms from cholinergic crisis.

Adverse Effects of Epinephrine

Includes headache, dysrhythmias, tachycardia, and hypertension.

Beta Agonists

Medications that can lead to adverse effects like insomnia and restlessness, especially when taken before bedtime.

Myasthenia Gravis

A neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of skeletal muscles, treated with cholinergic agonists.

Cholinergic Antagonists

Medications that block the action of acetylcholine, causing reduced secretions and increased heart rate.

Antihypertensive Medications

Drugs used to lower blood pressure, and should be monitored with an assessment of blood pressure and pulse.

Nitroglycerin

A medication taken sublingually for angina that requires monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate before administration.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure, with a therapeutic level monitored to avoid toxicity.

Furosemide (Lasix)

A loop diuretic used for heart failure, affecting sodium and potassium levels.

Reflex Tachycardia

An increase in heart rate as a compensatory response to a decrease in blood pressure.

Heparin

An anticoagulant used for preventing blood clots; requires monitoring through aPTT lab values.

Benzodiazepines

CNS depressants that can lead to sedation; should not be stopped abruptly due to potential withdrawal symptoms.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer used in treating bipolar disorder, requiring regular blood level monitoring due to risk of toxicity.

Parkinson's Disease Medications

Focus on increasing dopamine levels in the brain, with levodopa being the most effective treatment.

Psychotic Disorders

Such as schizophrenia, treated with antipsychotic medications that may have serious side effects.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Medications that reduce stomach acid production, often indicated for conditions like GERD or PUD.

Antiemetics

Drugs used to prevent nausea and vomiting, with various mechanisms of action depending on the class.